Let’s get ready!
All the resources you need to prepare for your photoshoot with COCO HAUS
Beauty Prep
Taking care of yourselfHowever you prepare for a sexy date night is how you would prepare for a photoshoot. these tips will make you feel more confident and add the finishing touches to create polished photos.
Showing Face
Don’t worry if a pimple pops up on the day of the photoshoot, it happens to all of us and is easily covered in make-up or will be photoshopped out. Facials are great to get your skin looking fresh but don’t do anything too harsh on your skin because it can cause redness. The mask I use all the time is Dr Jart’s Soothing Hydra Solution, it’s very soothing and moisturizing. For dry lips, I use Tatcha The Kissu Lip Mask. The best way to apply it without making a mess is with a fresh q-tip each time.
Remember to pluck your eyebrows of any stray hairs. The make-up artist will fill in your brows but they won’t remove hairs and a cleaned up brow will make a big difference in your photos.
Make Your Appointments
Hair, manicure, pedicure, waxing - you can do all these things you can do at home, but sometimes it’s nice to treat yourself and let the professionals take care of it. Make sure to schedule your appointments in advance so that you won’t feel rushed. Do not make any appointments the same day as your shoot because, from my experience, it’s always too rushed.
Hair
If you colour your hair, get your roots done the week before your shoot. Going for a small trim is always a good idea but make sure it’s with someone you trust that won’t cut more than you want. Bang trims should be done a 10 days before so that they can grow out a little and look more natural - unless you’re going for the short Bettie Page look. Deep conditioning your hair the week before will add a bounce on the day of the photoshoot.
Nail Polish Colour
I always vote for a classic colour (nude, red, french manicure, dark red, metallic, etc) when it comes to a photoshoot. I love funky fashion colours but unless you’re going for an extreme creative concept, it can date your photos. Cool designs are fun but if we’re not planning any close-ups, you won’t see the design.
If you need a recommendation for a nail salon in Montreal, my 2 favourite places are: Maxx Crystal Nails (2123 Saint-Catherine St W,) & Steph Guida at Les Matantes
Don’t Try Anything New
It’s so tempting to want to try something new to feel special, but you shouldn’t experiment right before a photoshoot eg do not try getting a spray tan for the first time. You never know if it’ll turn out good or you may not feel like yourself.
Exfoliate & Moisturize
From now till your photoshoot, moisturize your body from tip to tail as often as you have time for. A few days before your shoot, give yourself a gentle exfoliation, it’ll make your skin glow and make you feel brand new.
Sleep & Relax
I know it’s hard to do when you’re excited (or stressed), but the more you can rest the week before your shoot, the better you’ll feel on the day. Only if you can, schedule some you time to do absolutely nothing, it will only add to the feeling of luxury of the photoshoot experience.
No Diets Necessary
Please don’t try to crash diet or not eat before your photoshoot. Not only is it bad for your body, it will give you low energy on shoot day. The only thing I would recommend is the week or two before your shoot day, drink lots of water, avoid heavy drinking nights and avoid foods that make you bloat.
What to Bring
These are just suggestions to give you the most wardrobe versatility in your photoshoot. You could show up with nothing and i would still be able to make it work.
Nude & black seamless thong.
Nude & black bra + strapless if you have.
Special items (eg. jewelry) to personalize your photos.
High heels or any other footwear that feels like you - I have sparkly and black heels available in every size.
Personal branding outfit (if that’s part of your concept).
Shapewear - optional & not necessary.
Jeans if you want a casual look
Your own sexy lingerie - I have a full wardrobe but if you have a gorgeous piece, don’t leave it at home.
An open mind, sometimes it’s fun to try things that may be out of your comfort zone
Please make sure everything is clean & ironed. There is a steamer on location for last minute wrinkles.
COCO HAUS Closet
My collection of dresses, lingerie, jewelry and accessories is ever evolving. I have dresses and lingerie in size xs-3X in black, red, champagne, blue, etc. All my tulle skirts can be layered for added drama and work great with corset tops, cropped tops, and so many other options. If all else fails, I always have fabric ready to pin a custom outfit.
If you’re looking for something specific to wear in your shoot, please let me know so I can try to arrange it for you.
If you see an outfit on my website or my instagram that you love, please let me know and I’ll double check if I have it in your size or how we can create it for you.
My Favourite Online
Lingerie Shopping
I get asked all the time where I shop for lingerie so I’ve listed it below for your personal lingerie collection. Some of these companies you may be aware of and some may be completely new. They all have something different to offer and serve a variety of different budgets and body shapes. If you’re looking for something in particular that you can’t find on the list, let me know and I’ll see what can do. I’m only listing places that I or a friend have ordered from and will be continuing to add more stores.
Agent Provocateur
This brand always make me feel incredibly sexy and photographs incredibly well. It’s a little pricey and sizes small, but this brand sill holds a special place in my heart.
Playful Promises
This company has something for everyone, in all budgets and sizes. If you’re on a tight budget, check out their outlet, you’ll find some cool stuff. Sizes from A-HH, 2-26.
Dita Von Teese
Beautiful lace designs for a great price! The band fits small so I would size up. I wear her bras all the time and I love that she always sells the matching garter belt.
Secrets in Lace
If you live for the vintage pin-up life, this is the spot for you. They carry Rago girdles which are the best in the shape wear business. They have a really good curves section and are infamous for high quality stockings.
Trashy Lingerie
They have costumes, lingerie, robes, dresses, corsets, etc. A lot of the outfits are custom & hand made so you have to order in advance. They have a huge size range and price range, definitely worth checking out.
Victoria’s Secret
It’s always hit or miss with them, but I always check back because sometimes they have incredible limited edition pieces. I’m also a huge fan of their satin pjs and slips, it’s what I sleep in every night,
Skims
A great place to find your seamless thong for your photoshoot and supportive lingerie for under a tight outfit. I love wearing the skims “fits everybody” thong and soft lounge dress. If you want to try things on, you can find the pieces at Holt Renfrew. Fits xxs-4x.
What Katie Did
Live your modern pin-up fantasy! This is a small company that always is coming out with adorable new pieces. I’ve purchased their stockings and vintage lingerie for photoshoots and they always photographs great.
Honey Birdette
I haven’t shopped here yet but I know a lot of people who do. Not only do they have some very cool bondage lingerie, they also have some fun accessories to go with. I heard the sizing is a little inconsistent but in general it fits small.
Orchid Corset
A great place to start your corset collection. Lots of information on corset sizing, styles and great prices for the quality. Definitely worth checking out.
